Years ago when we began holding a celebration each time the seasons changed, we would gather together, stand in a circle (outdoors, weather permitting), read the applicable information, have a moment of quiet contemplation, and go indoors for fellowship, tea and snacks. We did this in recognition of the fact that Nature is one of the Great Teachers and we felt it was appropriate to actively observe this fact. Now because our members are located in several different states, and, at least temporarily, there are restrictions due to Covid-19, we simply set a time and everyone who wishes to participate in this joining of the spirit either goes outdoors or sits quietly (depending on the weather) and reads the appropriate information either silently or aloud, takes a moment for quiet contemplation and, if so moved, finishes with food and drink.

 2024 Celebrations:

 March 17 at 2 pm CDT.

 June 16 at 2 pm CDT.

 September 22 at 2 pm CDT.

 December 15 at 2 pm CST.

MATERIALS:

AUTUMN

We do not question the ways of nature. Plants grow from seed and bear flowers to feed our senses and food to feed our bodies. We do not question why birds fly but study the miracle of their flight to teach ourselves. Living in the environment of peacefulness the lion lies down with the lamb and they live in harmony, helping one another. Yet, we do not seek to learn about this miracle. The miracle of flight we use to conquer the skies. The miracle of peace teaches not to conquer, but to share. This is a time of plenty in the yearly cycle of life. It is but one cycle within many cycles – a wheel within a wheel. The time of plenty comes before a time of scarcity and then it will be time to plant again. The Divine’s creation does not question its time or place but simply follows the voice within. Take your place on the wheel of life. Chose to grow and bloom. Choose to become dry and withered. For though man has free will, he must cycle still. Your cycle can take you to a new and better place, or it may leave you in the same old space. The choice is yours. We are the only part of The Divine’s creation with free will. Wisdom says join the rest at It’s knee – folly says I live my life for me. As there is a time to gather the fruits of our physical labors, so there is a time to gather the fruits of the spirit. Will your fruit be filled with the nectar of joy and thanksgiving for a bountiful harvest? The choice is yours.

 WINTER

 Look at nature around you and see that much of our environment is resting, much as we rest at the end of a day. Experience has taught us that this is simply a time of rest before new growth. As The Divine’s creation teaches us, we can see in this time of rest, the seeds of renewal, just as we rest in our cycle of spiritual growth. Reach beyond what you can see with your physical eyes and understand with your human brain. Go beyond and see with your spiritual eyes that our cycles are not limited to our earthly existence. See that our time on earth is only part of a larger, greater cycle in our eternal existence as part of The Divine. Let go of mankind’s things and see the beauty of The Divine’s creation. Take hold of spiritual things and know the peace of The Divine’s love. As we celebrate the cycle of life, so we can accept all parts of life. As we celebrate the great teachers’ teachings, so we accept the greatest teaching —Love others as I have loved you.

SPRING

 The rock is the mother of the earth. The tree is its flower. The ocean is its puddle. Eternity is an hour. Up is down and down is up. Light is fleeting but yet forever. Darkness is a pit of illusions; the branches reaching out to touch the unseen, only to be found. Up is up; down is down; all things go round and round. Whoever, whatever, wherever you may be, life is just a life-beat between you and me. For life is in everything you see. One thing or another, sometimes it takes three; but each would be nothing without the others that be. Look up, look down, look all around, for there the answers will be found. Overlook nothing, focus on none, the key is in the vision illuminated by the sun. The eyes that are within you only tend to serve as darkness in the world of light your spirit to observe. For within the one, the two, the three, a common bond exists, for hand in hand, they can exist in perfect unity.

 SUMMER

 Look with your eyes. See all that The Divine has placed here to teach us. Look with your heart and find the lessons. Seek not the why or how of nature for there lies nothing. Seek the is of nature and discover everything. The tree does not ask where or how to grow. It is one with the flow. The willow does not envy the hickory. It simply is as it must be. To accept, you must find. To give you must have. To be filled, you must be empty. To be free, you must surrender. The hope that was left in the box will now come forth. It is not of this world, it is of The Divine. The Divine shines through Its creation. Become one with creation and shine with The Divine’s love. Yield up measuring for that is where we fall. Become one with our path and then one with All. Look to the outer and never see. Look to the inner and peace and joy can be. Seek and ye shall find